Jon Jones considers Dan Henderson a “challenge to rise up to”

UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jonesunderstands the importance of his upcoming UFC 151 meeting withDan Henderson. Jones, who has successfully defended his title against three former UFC champions so far, will meet Henderson while nearing a record for successful defenses of the light heavyweight crown.

With so much on his shoulders, Jones is starting to understand completely what it’s like to be at the top of the divisional heap.

“(Henderson) doesn’t offer problems, but challenges to rise up to and it’ll be exciting,” explained Jones while appearing on Fuel TV’s post-fight show for UFC 150. “He’s got strong wrestling and a good overhand right, but nothing I haven’t seen before.”

While Rua, Jackson, Machida and Evans have impressive resumes, it’s possible that Henderson’s is even better. “Hendo” is a former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion, and an alternate for the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. He’s also defeated legends like Fedor Emelianenko, Wanderlei Silva and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

“He’s right up there. He ranks as high as anyone I’ve fought in the last year,” said Jones of Henderson’s accomplishments. “He’s been a champion of other organizations. He’s beat the best like Fedor and ‘Shogun.'”

Jones’ height and reach will be a problem for Hendo. Hendo has a puncher’s chance, especially with the overhand right, but that’s all. I don’t think he’ll get the chance to land it on Jones, and he’ll be wide open as he moves in. Every time I see Jones fight he looks more and more like a taller, bigger version of Anderson Silva. I don’t think Hendo’s the guy to beat him.